TV licence fee payers could cancel and get £174.50 refund - here's who's eligible

With the annual TV licence now costing £174.50, many households may be questioning whether they really need to keep paying. With tighter budgets, it's worth checking if you could cancel your licence or claim a refund - particularly as nearly half of UK adults are unsure what the licence actually covers.

A survey by the FCA-regulated broker Viva Money found that 43% of people don't fully understand the rules about when a TV licence is required. While it's compulsory for anyone watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer, those who rely mainly on services like Netflix, Disney+, or other non-BBC catch-up apps might not need to pay at all - and in some cases, they could even get part of their fee refunded.

When do you need a TV licence?

You must have a TV licence if you:

• Watch or record live TV on any channel.
• Use BBC iPlayer, whether live, on demand, or on catch-up.
• Stream live programmes on services such as ITVX, All 4, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Now TV, or Sky Go.

Importantly, this applies no matter what device you're using, including TVs, laptops, tablets, or phones.

You don't need a licence if:

• You only watch on-demand shows through Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube (unless you're viewing something broadcast live).

If you plan to cancel, you must make sure absolutely no one in your household is accessing content that requires a licence, as fines can be heavy.

How to cancel a TV licence

If your home no longer needs a licence, you can cancel it by submitting a cancellation and refund request form via the TV Licensing website.

Be aware that inspectors may visit to confirm your claim, and about one in five inspections uncover households still needing a licence. If you're found to require one, you could face fines of up to £1,000 in mainland UK, £2,000 in Guernsey, and £500 in Jersey, as well as being charged the full licence cost.

When can you claim a refund?

You may be entitled to a refund if your licence has at least one full unused month left and you no longer need it. Refunds may be granted in cases such as:

• You no longer use TV-receiving equipment.
• Another licence already covers your address.
• The licence was purchased by mistake.
• The licence holder has died or moved abroad
• A concessionary licence (such as the over-75 or blind discount) has been applied for.

You can request a refund up to 14 days before you stop needing the licence, or if it has expired within the last two years. Refunds are paid by cheque or direct deposit and are based on whole unused months only.

You can check your licence expiry date by logging into your TV Licensing online account.

Discounted TV licences

Certain people may also qualify for reduced fees or even free licences, ranging from 50% off to full exemptions, depending on eligibility.

People who are blind (severely sight impaired), or live with someone who is blind could be entitled to a blind concession TV licence. This reduces the price by 50% Find out more about this here.

Pensioners can get a free TV Licence if they, as the licence holder, are 75 years or older and they, or their partner living at the same address, receive Pension Credit.

Pension Credit is a benefit that tops up the state pension for people on a low income. However, according to the charity Independent Age, it currently has the lowest take-up of all income-related benefits.

So, it could be a good time for people to check if they're eligible for this, as it can also help people claim housing benefit, heating bills, council tax, NHS dental care, and more.

People who are 75 or over and live in a residential care home may be covered by an ARC (Accommodation for Residential Care) TV Licence and won't have to pay for a licence-even if they don't receive Pension Credit.

TV Licensing advises people to speak to their care home administrator to find out.